BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to bracelets, and more particularly to bracelets in which charms can be removably attached.
2. Background of Art
Charm bracelets are well known types of jewelry in which charms having various representations expressed thereon are attached to a bracelet. Most typically, the bracelet is a metal dangle that includes small rings or other connectors to which the charms can be removably attached. A plethora of charms having different symbolism or meaning to the wearer can be displayed on the bracelet.
In more recent times rubber or silicone bracelets have become popular. Such bracelets are often used as charity fundraisers and come in a color representative of the charity's cause, such as pink for breast cancer awareness. Adaptations of these rubber/silicone bracelets are charm bracelets that include charms that can be attached to the bracelet.
Another popular trend with bracelets is what is referred to as “friendship bracelets”. These are bracelets exchanged between friends that symbolize the friendship. The bracelets may have matching charms or other items that represent the friendship.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a charm bracelet that facilitates social activity and sharing.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a bracelet that permits interchangeability of design elements.
Other objects and advantages of the preset invention will in part be obvious and in part appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention provides a bracelet comprising an elongated band having first and second terminal end sections that collectively define a clasp and a plurality of interconnected sockets extending along the length of the band, wherein each socket is defined by a recess of predetermined length and shape and defined by a first half section and a second half section. The bracelet further comprises a first charm having a predetermined length that is half as long as the predetermined length of the recess and adapted to be received within a first half section of a first one of the plurality of sockets; and a second charm having a predetermined length that is half as long as the predetermined length of the recess and adapted to be received within a second half section of a first one of said plurality of sockets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracelet having a pair of charms in one socket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view thereof;
FIG. 4 is close-up perspective view of a first terminal end of the bracelet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is close-up perspective view of a second terminal end of the bracelet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 us a close-up perspective view showing the clasped end of the bracelet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bracelet and a pair of charms detached from the bracelet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a pair of charms in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view thereof;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bracelet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention shown on a person's wrist; and
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bracelet in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in FIG. 1 a bracelet, designated generally by reference numeral 10, comprising an elongated band 12 that consists of many individual sockets 14 linked together (integrally linked together in the preferred embodiment, although a non-integral, physical interconnection is also conceivable), and a pair of charms 16, 18 that are securely seated within one socket 14. Each socket 14 is adapted and intended to securely receive two charms 16, 18. Band 14 and charms 16/18 are preferably composed of a foam rubber material that can be easily stamped, 3-D printed, or otherwise manufactured using conventional techniques. However, other materials could also be used.
As most clearly seen in FIGS. 3-5, the two terminal ends 20, 22 of band 12 form the releasable clasp that secures the bracelet 10 to a wearer's wrist (as seen in FIG. 10). End 20 is a male clasp portion that is defined by a semicircular boss that is longitudinally spaced a slight distance from the adjacent socket 14 by spacing 24 (see FIG. 3), while end 22 is the female clasp portion that is defined by a correspondingly shaped semi-circular recess 26 and open channel 28 (see FIG. 5) that permits end 20 to sit flush within recess 26 with channel 28 and spacing 24 mating to provide a flush fit.
Each socket 14 is defined by an oval shaped depression/recess that includes a floor 30 and upstanding wall 32 extending upwardly from floor 30 and for purposes of understanding the relationship to the charms can further be defined as including a first half section 31 and a second half section 33 (see FIG. 2). In addition, a protrusion 35 extends around the circumference of wall 32 at about the midpoint thereof. Protrusions 35, as described hereinafter, serve as assistance in locking charms 16/18 within sockets 14. Each charm 16/18 is correspondingly shaped to fill half of socket 14, including a semi-oval shape of similar dimensions to socket 14 (except for half the length ½L (see FIG. 9) of socket 14 L (see FIG. 2)), and includes a semi-oval shaped lower section 34, a semi-oval shaped upper section 36, and a middle section 38 between upper section 36 and lower section 34 that is of slightly smaller dimensions than the upper and lower section. The smaller dimensioned middle section 38 corresponds in size and shape to securely engage protrusion 35 when a charm 16/18 is pressingly fit within socket 14 (more precisely, fit into half of socket 14). Thus, much like a train wheel engaging a train track, the corresponding shapes of charms 16/18 and sockets 14 provide a secure, yet releasable, interconnection. When charms 16/18 are to be removed, a user can pry each charm 16/18 out of socket 14 using a small amount of force and the pliability of band 12 will permit easy removal of each charm 16/18. It should be noted and appreciated that shapes other than oval could be applied to sockets 14 ad charms 16/18.
Each charm 16/18 is embossed, imprinted, or otherwise demarcated with a letter of the alphabet (see FIGS. 7-8). Pairs of charms 16, 18 may thus be used together to provide the initials of a friend in one of the sockets 14. Multiple friends' initials can therefore be displayed with charms 16/18 within the plurality of sockets 14 forming bracelet 10.
With regard to FIG. 11, a bracelet 100 having an alternate band 102 is shown. Band 102 includes extended portions 104, 106 that extend from the portion of band 102 in which pockets 108 are formed for receipt of charms 110/112. One or more (shown as two) posts 114 extend outwardly adjacent the free end of extended portion 104, and a series of openings 116 are formed through extended portion 106 in longitudinally spaced relation to one another. The size and shape of posts 114 and openings 116 are such that the user can fit the bracelet 100 around his or her wrist and engage the posts 114 in the openings 116 that provide the best fit. Other forms of fastening the bracelet, such as clasps, buckles, and the like, could also be used aside from those specifically shown in the drawings.
Patent Application
20160353846
